Hackney, Vegan Restaurant Guide

2019 Review: “Yummy” fresh fish and “crispy fat chips” all in “great value, generous portions” win raves – if from a small fanclub – for these “classy” chippies in Stokey, Hackney Central and Islington. October 2018 marks a first, with the launch of London’s first fully vegan chippie at the Hackney Central branch (which is itself moving down the road to 218 Graham Road).

From Elly Ward and the team behind plant-based pioneer Super Nature, this vegan spot in Hackney focusses on seasonal ingredients and a low-waste philosophy.

Owner Julian Denis previously ran the super-popular vegan Chinese Mao Chow just up the road. This new venture (named for the medium-hot pepper) is twice the size (although still only 28 seats) and promises ‘an evolution’ of the food there, incorporating flavours and techniques from Puerto Rican, Portuguese and American cuisines. No survey reports, but The Evening Standard’s Jimi Famurewa found, in his May 2022 review, the vibe of a “dangerously raucous east London house party circa 2009” matched with food that needed “a little more finesse, and… enough confidence… that they don’t reach for the chilli-and-umami hose at every juncture”. As of August 2022, the restaurant’s website shows no availability and says it’s currently closed for a refurb that should have ended in July 2022? So change may be afoot.